MasterCard Canada Calling All Developers to Master the Code

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TORONTO, July 3, 2013 /CNW/ - MasterCard celebrated 40 years in Canada
by partnering with MaRS Discovery District to open a new networking space for entrepreneurs and announcing MasterCard N>XT,the first payment network developer challenge with Rogers and CIBC as
co-sponsors, to be held at the MaRS Center.

"Innovation is in our DNA," said Betty DeVita, President of MasterCard Canada. "Over the last 40 years, MasterCard has led the way in bringing
payment innovations to the fingertips of Canadians and merchants - from
chip & PIN to Tap & Go - we continue to find ways to make electronic
payments a seamless, convenient and rewarding choice for Canadians."

The 2-day challenge will take place September 28th and 29th at MaRS and will search for Canada's next great developer and
breakthrough payment solution. With access to MasterCard's commerce
infrastructure, professional and student application developers are
invited to create their own payment applications and mobile solutions.

"I think the developer challenge is a great way for coders to gain
experience and think creatively. As a student this could be a great way
to develop my skills and get my name out there. I also look forward to
having the opportunity to use the tools and platforms provided by
MasterCard". - Liana Fisher, Co-op Student at AppHero Inc.

Working in teams, developers will leverage MasterCard's open API and
tool kit to build any type of app with a payment connection. Winners
will be chosen by a prestigious judging panel that will bring together
some of Canada's most sought-after technology minds to award three top
prizes of $10,000 and access to senior technology executives to pitch
their app idea. The judging panel includes:

In partnership with MasterCard, Xtreme Labs, a leader in mobile strategy and product development, will be creating
a resource portal for developers as well as delivering an in-person
workshop teaching developers how to leverage MasterCard's API to create
payment applications and mobile solutions.

"We are excited to share our mobile expertise with MasterCard for this
important event that will not only help drive the Canadian mobile
payment industry forward but also create a footprint on the global
stage," said Amar Varma, CEO and co-founder of Xtreme Labs. "The developer challenge is an excellent way to foster innovation,
tap into Canada's exceptional tech talent and push the boundaries of
creativity and collaboration."

In addition, MasterCard has sponsored the creation of the MasterCard
deck, an outdoor patio space within the heritage building of the MaRS
Centre. The MasterCard deck will continue MasterCard's tradition of
innovation and help build the next generation of great ideas by
providing an invigorating networking space for entrepreneurs and
stakeholders.

"We are delighted to partner with MasterCard - a global innovation
pioneer - in support of the entrepreneurs in our MaRS ecosystem," said Ilse Treurnicht, CEO, MaRS Discovery District. "The MasterCard deck is a unique addition to the MaRS Centre -
strategically located in the MaRS Commons within the iconic Heritage
Building. It will provide an inspiring new space for our entrepreneurs
to meet and collaborate, further catalyzing the innovation that will
drive Canada's knowledge economy. We also look forward to providing the
platform for MasterCard's upcoming developer challenge, where we can
bring together top tech talent both from within the MaRS network and
the larger community across Canada."

About MasterCard WorldwideMasterCard NYSE: MA, www.mastercard.com, is a technology company in the global payments industry. We
operate the world's fastest payments processing network, connecting
consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and
businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. MasterCard's
products and solutions make everyday commerce activities - such as
shopping, traveling, running a business and managing finances - easier,
more secure and more efficient for everyone. Follow us on Twitter @MasterCardNews, join the discussion on the Cashless Conversations Blog and subscribe for the latest news.

About MaRS Discovery DistrictMaRS Discovery District (@MaRSDD) is a mission-driven innovation centre located in Toronto.
MaRS works with partners to catalyze, accelerate and amplify
innovation. MaRS supports entrepreneurs building Canada's next
generation of growth companies. In the last three years, MaRS startup
clients have raised over $750 million in capital, earned over $375
million in revenue and hired well over 3,500 workers into knowledge
economy jobs.